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Many patients seeking a Miami spinal rehab center wonder if it’s possible to play sports after an SCI. Check out our discussion below to learn more.
Did you know that spinal cord injuries (SCI) often result from sports accidents? Studies claim that some sports can lead to catastrophic SCI cases because of the trauma they cause to the spinal column and cord. A few examples of these sports include wrestling, football, skiing, ice hockey, diving, cheerleading, and rugby.
If you’re someone who loved playing sports but suffered from a traumatic injury to the spine, you might be wondering if it’s possible to be physically active again. How long will it take before you can play the sports you love most? Will seeking help from a Miami spinal rehab center change your outlook and speed up your recovery?
Let’s get to know more about SCI, a typical recovery journey, and the top 7 sports you can try after your injury heals.
Damage to your spinal cord can occur in various ways and intensity levels. The spinal cord’s affected sections also tend to differ for each individual, causing distinct effects on certain body functions like walking and communicating. Because each case is unique, it is virtually impossible to provide an exact number of days or weeks for the recovery period.
On average, the recovery period starts about a week to six months after the trauma. At this point, the brain begins rewiring severed connections in the body. By aggressively pursuing programs in a Miami spinal rehab center during this crucial time frame, you can potentially restore several motor functions like opening and closing your fist and flexing your legs.
Besides undergoing rehabilitation programs to stimulate recovery, some patients with partially recovered body functions also engage in other physical activities such as sports. Thousands of patients turn to sports to keep secondary complications of SCI (depression, anxiety, obesity, etc.) at bay. Below are some of the best sports for recovering SCI patients.
Wheelchair basketball has been around since the mid-1940s. Back then, recovering WWII soldiers turned to wheelchair basketball for rehabilitation. Fast forward to 1960, it has taken center stage in the Paralympics Games held in Rome, Italy. It continues to be a part of the prestigious global competition until today.
It follows the usual rules in basketball but features a few modifications to accommodate wheelchair requirements.
Love playing tennis before your injury? After regaining some motor functions, you can eventually venture into wheelchair training. Brad Parks and Jeff Minnebraker first introduced wheelchair tennis as part of their rehabilitation program. They were both rehabilitation patients who developed a now well-loved sport among disabled individuals.
Similar to wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis also follows the same rule as its regular counterpart. The only difference is that players can bounce the ball twice.
Wheelchair rugby is another excellent choice for disabled SCI survivors and a group sports competition featured in the Paralympics. The global competition invites wheelchair rugby players from up to 25 countries across the globe. Many disabled athletes like playing wheelchair rugby after their injury because of its robust and highly competitive nature.
Thought dancing in a wheelchair isn’t possible? Think again. With para dance sports, a well-recognized adaptive sport, you can feel and move your body to the rhythm of your chosen dance music. Like in a traditional ballroom setup, you can choose between various standard dances, including freestyle, group dances, and Latin American Dances.
SCI rehabilitation professionals, doctors, and researchers have begun looking into swimming as a potential option for patients looking to recover lost functions. According to a recent study, swimming can promote functional restoration and post-injury axon regeneration. In layman’s terms, this means that swimming can help speed up your brain’s ability to heal and rewire itself so you can recover other lost functions.
While it might be virtually impossible to run with legs, it doesn’t mean that you have zero chances of enjoying track and field once more. As a recognized para-sport, track and field for disabled individuals offer a fun way to stay physically active. As a player of adaptive track and field, you will also follow the same set of rules applied to non-disabled individuals. You also get to choose from varying competitions, including 100-meter dash, marathons, or universal relay.
Wheelchair motocross takes para-sports to a whole new level. It welcomes players with varying disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries or those with in-born conditions like Spina Bifida. The sport typically involves a para-sport athlete wearing a helmet and other protective gear. It requires performing wheelchair stunts and tricks like front flip and backflip. The sport first gained traction in 2006 after Aaron Fotheringham introduced it to the public.
Indeed, recovering from a spinal cord injury can come with plenty of hiccups. But, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to thrive and live your life to the fullest after an SCI. With the help of a trusted Miami spinal rehab center, you can achieve significant milestones in your recovery journey.
The sooner you start our rehabilitation therapy, the sooner you can also enjoy doing your favorite physical activities or engaging in sports like those we’ve mentioned above. Feel free to talk to an SCI rehabilitation professional at iAM ABLE today.
Alternatively, you can get your copy of the eBook to familiarize yourself with the basic steps to transitioning to your new life. Our SCI resource contains several valuable tips in coping with the challenges of living with paralysis. Download our FREE SCI Survivor’s guidebook today.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
